Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoa parasite called Leishmania that is spread by over 90 sandfly species which are mostly found in parts of the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe.

There are three main forms of the disease, visceral leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis all of which are treatable and curable. Symptoms depend on the form of leishmaniasis and only visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal if left untreated. Diagnosis is made by combining clinical signs with parasitological, and serological rapid diagnostic tests are also available for visceral leishmaniasis.